24. Sincere Devotees Stay Protected
God always protects His sincere devotees, no matter the circumstances. A fitting example of this can be found in the Ambareeshopakhyana, the story of King Ambareesha, as narrated in the Srimad Bhagavata.
King Ambareesha was a great devotee of Lord Sri Mahavishnu. He observed Ekadashi Vrata (fasting on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight) and would break his fast on Dwadashi (the twelfth day) within the time limit prescribed by the Shastras. On one such Dwadashi, Sage Durvasa, known for his fiery temper, arrived at the palace and expressed his desire to be the King’s guest for the day. Overjoyed, Ambareesha welcomed the revered sage with great respect, considering it a divine blessing to serve him.
Before partaking of food, Sage Durvasa set off to the riverside for his ablutions, assuring the King that he would return soon. Ambareesha assumed that the sage would be back in time, allowing him to offer food to his guest before breaking his own fast as per the scriptural injunctions.
However, time passed, and there was no sign of Durvasa’s return. Ambareesha now faced a difficult dilemma–if he delayed breaking his fast beyond the prescribed time, he would violate the rules of Ekadasi Vrata. On the other hand, eating before serving his guest would be an act of disrespect toward the great sage.
Seeking a solution, Ambareesha consulted the learned scholars in his court. They advised him to sip a little water, as this would technically end his fast without constituting a full meal, thereby upholding both his religious duty and his duty as a host.
When Sage Durvasa returned and learned that Ambareesha had sipped water before serving him, he was enraged. Considering it a grave offence, he cursed the King and summoned a fearsome demon to destroy him.
As the monstrous being lunged at him, Ambareesha remained calm and surrendered to the Lord in prayer. Instantly, the Sudarshana Chakra (Lord Vishnu’s divine discus) manifested there and destroyed the demon in a flash. The Chakra then turned toward Durvasa, ready to strike.
Terrified, Durvasa fled for his life, seeking refuge with the Trinity–Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu–but none could help him. Lord Vishnu Himself declared, “A devotee is dearer to Me than My own Self. If one causes harm to My devotee, only that devotee can grant forgiveness and offer a remedy.”
Realizing this, Sage Durvasa hurried back to Ambareesha, fell at his feet, and begged for forgiveness. The kind-hearted King, ever humble and compassionate, prayed to the Lord to spare the sage. At his request, the Sudarshana Chakra withdrew, and Durvasa was saved.
Ambareesha’s tale reminds us that God never abandons those who surrender to Him with unwavering faith. A true devotee is always protected. ❃❃❃❃